New Queensland coach Billy Slater has given an insight into how he will select his first State of Origin team.
The Maroons legend has taken the reins of the side he represented 31 times throughout his career.
He has a big task to turn the state around following a disastrous 2021 series, in which Queensland was beaten a collective 76-6 in the first two games, then somehow salvaged victory in the dead rubber game.
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While Slater wouldn’t give away the exact players in contention to pull on the famous jersey this year, he gave Nine’s Sports Sunday a glimpse into the selection process that will take place between now and the series opener on June 8.
“I’m looking for consistency,” Slater said.
“That’s one thing that gives you confidence when you select players, is consistent form throughout the season.
“The players get 12 games, they get an opportunity to perform in 12 games to earn that Origin spot.
“I’m sure Brad Fittler’s in the same boat, I’m looking forward to the season but I’m looking forward to seeing how our Queensland players perform in those first 12 games.
“They’ll end up picking the team. We’ll write it down on paper but the players will pick themselves.”
When asked by avid Dragons fan Mark Taylor specifically about veteran halfback Ben Hunt, Slater confirmed the St George Illawarra captain is once again in the mix for Origin.
Hunt was bizarrely snubbed for game one last year by then-coach Paul Green, before being recalled to the bench in game two and finally starting at hooker in the dead rubber.